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Puppy socialisation
Socialisation is one of the most important things you can do for your puppy as it helps them become friendly and outgoing. It’s all about getting them to meet people and other animals – and experience lots of everyday sights and sounds, especially in the first few weeks of life.
Socialisation has a big influence on your puppy. It will affect their behaviour and temperament for the rest of their life. A well-socialised puppy is more likely to grow up to be a friendly and outgoing dog. If it’s not done properly, then it leads to problems as adults. They are more likely to have anxiety and fear and have behaviour problems.
Puppies need to be socialised when they are young because of the way their brains develop. Between 3 and 8 weeks, a puppy wants to explore everything that’s new. But, after about 8 weeks, their brain changes. They are more likely to be nervous of new things and back away. The 8 to 16 week period is the most important.
Get them meeting people and animals, exploring different places, enjoying new experiences. The earlier you start socialisation, the better.
Puppies need their vaccinations before they can meet other animals.
This is important to help protect them from diseases before they start meeting other animals. Puppies will be with us,the Breeders,until 8 weeks of age and then go to their new homes. Your puppy will have already had one vaccination, arranged by the Breeder – and will be due for a second, at 10 weeks of age.
What are the golden rules to socialise my puppy?
- The experiences must be good.
If your puppy seems anxious or afraid when they’re doing or seeing something new, just calmly end what they’re doing. Don’t try to comfort or reassure your puppy as this will make them think there was something to be scared about. Just be positive and upbeat and do something different. This is very important because otherwise your puppy can develop fears and phobias.
- Build up new experiences gradually.
E.G. Go to a local row of shops before a shopping precinct; a quiet road before a busy road etc. When your puppy is calm and relaxed, give them occasional praise and healthy treats so that they enjoy the experience.
- Don’t introduce too many new experiences in one day.
Don’t over do it,the minute you get the puppy home.Give him time to settle a while and get used to you and his new surroundings.
- Don’t have lots of people,particularly young children,round to meet him for a day or two.
- Supervise play with other dogs carefully.
Don’t let their play get too boisterous.
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